Drew Brees Offers High Praise For Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield hasn’t played a single snap of professional football yet, but the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback already has some big expectations being placed on his shoulders.

The former Oklahoma star was taken by the Browns with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Football fans in Cleveland are hoping he can be their franchise quarterback for years to come and finally turn around a team that has only won a single game in their last two seasons.

Some experts have compared Mayfield to a young Drew Brees, due to his similar height and strong arm. However, the New Orleans Saints QB recently told ESPN that he thinks Mayfield could turn out to be a lot better.

“I think he can be a lot better than me,” Brees said, according to ESPN’s Pat McManamon. “Man, he’s got all the tools. He’s more athletic. He probably can run around better. He’s got a stronger arm.”

The Browns and the Saints will meet in Week 2 this Sunday, but it’s unlikely we’ll get a head-to-head matchup of the comparable quarterbacks — the Browns are currently going with Tyrod Taylor as their starter, with Mayfield serving as the backup while he learns the ropes.

Brees said he followed Mayfield’s successes through college and became a big fan.

“I followed his college career,” said Brees. “Couldn’t have been more impressed with what he was able to accomplish, especially last year. Really impressed with the way he plays the game. I think he’s a great competitor.”

Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman Trophy and his impressive college career included throwing for over 14,000 yards and 129 touchdowns (including one year at Texas Tech before transferring to Oklahoma).